In fact, ripples formed in sand both wet and dry, with both fine and coarse grains, and even in long-grain rice; with or without an added spring on the wheel; for various weights of the wheel; and at a large range of speeds.

For a start, one needs a short-grain variety – not long-grain, Ainsley and others – that absorbs liquid easily and won't dry out, even when the outside is toasted to a crunch, as well as a paella pan or wide pan with a thin base so the aforementioned liquid cooks off quickly and evenly.

Here the list included, among other things, a 36-ounce container of Jasmati long-grain white rice, Eli Zabar ficelle bread (bought at the end of the day, so almost day-old), fresh figs, haricots verts, six balls of freshly made mozzarella, and several cans of Le Seur baby peas.